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Reducing Lab Waste: 5 Techniques to Enhance Sustainability Today

December 20, 2024

If you’re working in a lab, chances are you’ve noticed how quickly waste piles up from chemical containers to disposable gloves and single-use plastics. Running an efficient and sustainable lab can seem challenging, especially when your processes require high cleanliness and safety standards. But here’s the good news: with a few targeted steps, you can significantly reduce your lab’s waste output and contribute to a greener, more sustainable work environment.

Whether you’re handling complex chemicals, testing products, or even involved in agricultural solutions like weed killers, a sustainable lab is achievable with the right approach. Let’s discuss five practical techniques you can implement today to improve sustainability in your lab. 

Start with Smart Sourcing of Chemicals

One of the simplest ways to reduce waste is to make more sustainable choices when sourcing chemicals. Working with a chemicals supplier Perth or your local area prioritising eco-friendly practices can make a big difference. Seek suppliers who provide concentrated chemicals, which often require less packaging and reduce transport costs. 

Also, choosing suppliers who offer sustainable packaging options or take back empty containers for recycling is a great way to reduce waste. Consider the quantities you’re ordering. Sometimes, labs order in bulk to save costs, leading to surplus chemicals that expire or become unusable over time. Work closely with your supplier to forecast the right quantities to avoid waste.

Reuse and Repurpose Lab Materials

Disposing of lab equipment and materials may seem unavoidable, but many items can be reused or repurposed with a little creativity and effort. Take glassware, for example. Instead of throwing it away after each use, glass beakers, pipettes, and jars can be cleaned, sterilised, and reused, which reduces your reliance on single-use plastics. 

Similarly, other items, like plastic trays and certain containers, can be reused to store non-sensitive materials or even repurposed for organisational purposes within the lab. In some labs, even items like old sample tubes and containers find a second life in creative ways. If your lab also deals with activities like field testing, as is common in labs focused on environmental work or agriculture like weed killer testing, repurposing containers for on-site sampling is a practical way to reduce waste.

Implement an Efficient Waste Segregation System

Sorting waste properly may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how many labs overlook an efficient waste segregation system. You can ensure that as many materials as possible are sent for recycling or proper disposal by dividing waste into recyclables, general waste, and hazardous waste categories.

Consider colour-coded bins with clear labels to make sorting easier for all lab staff. Place waste stations in convenient locations throughout the lab to encourage everyone to dispose of items correctly. For larger labs, training sessions on proper waste disposal practices can reinforce the importance of waste segregation and ensure everyone knows how to handle various types of waste responsibly.

Reduce Single-Use Plastics with Alternative Materials

Labs typically use single-use plastics, from pipette tips and gloves to sample containers. Replacing or reducing these items is one of the most impactful changes a lab can make toward sustainability. Consider switching to biodegradable alternatives or materials that can be recycled easily. Some labs have used silicone lids and eco-friendly labelling solutions to replace traditional plastic materials.

If you frequently order supplies, look for suppliers who offer sustainable packaging options or bulk packaging that reduces the amount of plastic wrapping used. Also, try to find durable, reusable options when possible. The upfront investment in switching to stainless steel or glass materials may save money in the long run because of fewer frequent replacements.

Conduct Regular Audits and Engage in Continuous Improvement

One of the best ways to maintain a sustainable lab environment is to conduct regular audits to assess waste output and identify areas for improvement. By examining everything from chemical use and disposal methods to equipment maintenance and staff practices, you can pinpoint waste sources and find ways to reduce them.

For example, slight adjustments can improve over-ordering consumables, improper disposal practices, or the inefficient use of certain materials. After an audit, involve your team in brainstorming ways to reduce waste further.

Final Thoughts

Reducing lab waste is also about creating a safer, more efficient, cost-effective workspace. From simple adjustments to innovative solutions, each step can make a real difference to your operations, the environment, and budget. Start with a few changes and gradually build on them as your team grows more accustomed to these new practices. You may be surprised at the big difference small actions can make. 

And remember, choosing the right partners, whether a chemicals supplier in Perth with sustainable practices or a waste disposal service that aligns with your goals, can go a long way in supporting your sustainability efforts. Sustainability is more than a trend. It is necessary for a healthier planet and a better tomorrow. So, why wait? Start using these simple techniques today and watch your lab become a model of sustainability for others to follow. 

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